Do Something TODAY!

 "Remember WHO You Are" video 

CLICK HERE to watch the video 

(Listen to the podcast for this topic HERE)

Do something TODAY that TOMORROW will thank you for!
Do something TODAY that NEXT YEAR will thank you for!

 

As always, if you've not done so, go back and read the previous article and listen to the previous podcast for the 1st of this most recent 3-part "Mini-Series". That will help "connect" these together. Also, I'm not going to write a very long blog article (the podcast was fairly short as well) on this topic because I have recently discussed the importance of TODAY. 

The two lines above the first paragraph are what stood out in the above listed video after covering the first main impression that was covered in the previous article and podcast. 

Have you ever heard or read this phrase? 

"TODAY is the TOMORROW that you worried about YESTERDAY!"

 

Listen, it doesn't matter if you are having fun or not, the fact is, TIME FLIES either way! It seems to pass by even faster as I have gotten older but, the fact remains that time passes at the exact same pace for EVERYONE, regardless of what we may think.

 

The late Charlie "Tremendous" Jones once said, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.” 

 

The late Jim Rohn also said,"The difference between where you are today and where you'll be five years from now will be found in the quality of books you've read." I also remember hearing him talk about the fact that five years are going to come and go for us all but the difference will be what we decide to do TODAY, each and every day, over those next five years.

 

Jim Rohn also emphasized the importance of TODAY in this quote:  “Either you run the day or the day runs you..” 

 

The choice is yours. What will YOU do TODAY?

Until next time, remember...

YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   

 

Project 141: RELAIONSHIPS (Part 3: Family, Friends, CoWorkers)

 

So, you should already know what I'm about to say as you get ready to read this article...have you already read parts 1 and 2? If not, go do that first. If you have, then welcome to part 3!

And, while you are at it, be sure to check out the podcast by clicking HERE.

In this article we are going to look at our "Project 141" expansion application to the area of relationships and, more specifically, your relationships with family, friends, coworkers and even your boss. Yep. Even your boss.

I'm also going to use the exact same graphic that I used in part 1 of this section when I discussed your relationship with your spouse/mate. Here it is:

 Here's the kicker, friend...THESE 3 QUESTIONS can be (should be) applied (considered and acted upon) to ANY relationship that you value. Yes, even your relationships with your coworkers and your boss.  "Wait a minute, Mike, I wouldn't say that I 'value' my relationships with my coworkers and, for sure, I'm not sure I'd say that about my boss!"

Let's think about that for a moment. When you go back and reconsider the importance of guarding and protecting your mind (personal development) and, along with that, you throw into the mix a group of people that you likely spend more time with than anyone else...shouldn't you "value" that relationship to the point of at least wanting to make them the best possible? Do you REALLY want to "add on" to the negativity that wants to consume you ever day as it is?

And, when you consider that your "boss" or manager or whoever it is that is in a position to promote you or fire you, is a part of your "work life", wouldn't it make sense to try to make that relationship as positive and productive as possible?

I've shared this example before but I feel it needs to be shared again in this discussion. Years ago my wife went to work for a store and was warned on her first day to "stay clear" of the assistant manager because she was grouchy and negative. Yes, on day one. Little did those that said those things know that, for my wife, they simply presented a challenge for her. Her thought was, "I'm going to do whatever I have to do to make her (the assistant manager) smile each day that I'm here at work". 

And, take a wild guess what happened...she accomplished her goal of putting a smile on that assistant managers face every day that my wife worked with her. No, it was not an immediate change but, day after day, when my wife would say something positive to her with a HUGE smile on her face, the assistant manager had no choice but to smile back with a positive response. And that's not all. To the shock of all of her coworkers (who were already in shock at what all had happened), this assistant manager hand-knitted a "blanket or throw" for her and told her how much she appreciated her. 

WOW! Talk about my wife doing something DAILY to improve her relationship with this assistant manager. What an incredible change!

I'm not telling you that this will always be the type of reaction that you can expect but, at the same time, I can pretty much promise you that there WILL be some positive change and improvement in that relationship.

So again, regardless of whether you are talking about friends, family, coworkers or, yes, even your "boss" it is important to apply these same 3 questions on a DAILY basis:

     1. What do I do TODAY to IMPROVE this relationship?

     2. What do I do TODAY to BE INVOLVED in this relationship?

     3 What do I do TODAY to make ______________ glad that they are a part of this relationship?

Notice that, in all 3 of these questions, the question is NOT, "What do THEY do..." but, rather, "What do I do". This is a key ingredient in this "exercise" - this must be turned "inward" and applied to YOU taking the action and not waiting on the other person and/or blaming the other person. That is about what YOU need to do and what YOU need to do TODAY.

1. How do you improve or "make better" your relationship with your friends, family, coworkers and your boss/employer? How can you be a better friend, family member, coworker and employee?

2. What do you need to do to make sure you are "involved" (engaged) in these same relationships? For example, at work, are you there just to "get the check" or are you involved/engaged in a way that shows you are dedicated to doing your absolute best at whatever your position may be there. Are you one that constantly whines and complains or are you one that, again, is focused on "turning off" the negativity that surrounds them and is focused on doing their job to the best of their ability?

3. What do you do TODAY to make (fill in the blank) GLAD that they are a part of this relationship with you? Are your friends - especially your really close friends - GLAD that you are their friend? Are you "involved and engaged" in that friendship or are you only "connected" when you want/need something? What are the "needs" that your family has at this stage of your life. Are you fully engaged in whatever role that might be and are they glad that you are a part of your family? And, yes, even with your coworkers and your "boss"...do they like to see you come into a room or are they happier when you leave? Is your employer GLAD that they hired you or do they regret that move?

Do NOT take the power behind these 3 questions lightly! They ARE, indeed, POWERFUL but only if you take them seriously and honestly answer and  apply what you need to do.

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube  Project141

Every Area Every Day

Relationships (spouse/kids/family) - Spiritual - Physical - Financial

 

On December 15, 2020, I wrote out my plans for the next 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 3 years. Notice the date that I listed. The above graphic (from Dave Ramsey) came across my social media feed just a few days ago and, as I type this article it is January 6, 2021 - a time difference of about three weeks. 

Why do I bother mentioning that information? Because I always find it interesting the way things like this work. The heading line that you see below the "wheel" above are the areas that I listed on my paper on the 15th of December that I focused on in my plans over the next three years and the items in the "wheel" from Dave Ramsey listed items to focus on for the New Year just a couple of days ago. 

Coincidence? I don't think so.

For years as I have done my podcast, blog articles and videos and shared my thoughts and ideas I have always been amazed when I would read something from people like Jim Rohn, Bob Proctor or others that said basically the exact same thing. 

WOW!

But I've discovered that when you focus on powerful and positive things as others do (like those that I listed along with many more) you will find a similar mindset...a cohesiveness of thought, so to speak. 

For me, it is an acknowledgement that I am on "the right track" in my thinking about such things. 

So, as a continued discussion about my Project 141 and also as a way of introduction of how I am "expanding" Project 141, I want to encourage you to take into consideration HOW you can make improvements in the areas mentioned above every single day of your life. 

Yes, the items listed in Dave Ramsey's "wheel" expand on my thoughts a little more, but specifically, I will be sharing this approach for the following areas in your life, as well as mine: Relationships (spouse/kids/family) - Spiritual - Physical - Financial.

 

Why not start brainstorming these things ahead of time? Why not start NOW thinking about how YOU can implement something on a DAILY basis to improve these areas of your life TODAY...right now!?

Until next time, when I begin to discuss how we can use Project 141 in our relationships, be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube 

 

The Success Iceberg

I've shared this image before and even have mentioned it before but, today, I want to "dive" a little deeper into what is represented by the picture that you see above. 

I've also mentioned before that success of any kind is not an "overnight sensation". What you SEE is illustrated as being above the water in the picture above. What you SEE is the public acknowledgement of a person's success.

If you desire success - in ANY area - "what you see is NOT what you get". Let me explain.

Most of us can relate to the example of someone who makes it to the Olympics. We understand that, making it to the Olympics in and of itself, is a great accomplishment. I also believe that most of us understand that this "success" did not happen overnight and that it took YEARS of sacrifice and many, long hours of training for that person to achieve this level of success.  

Many begin at a very early age preparing for this future success. Sure, many times it begins as a goal or dream of their parents BUT, at the same time and at some point in time, they also have to "buy into" the dream in order to dedicate themselves to this extensive training and sacrifice. 

Those that actually reach the level of winning a gold, silver or bronze medal in the Olympics are receiving those public accolades or what you "see" as "the tip of the iceberg".  Again, what you DON'T see is all that went into that success.

Success is something that many say that they want. Many will swear up and down that they are ready to do "whatever it takes" in order to achieve success. And, though many may THINK that they are ready and willing to do "whatever it takes", few actually are.  

As is usually the case, it all boils down to the strength of your "why" and the power of your purpose. Put another way: HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT?

You MUST "count the cost" because, friend, there WILL be cost - in many different ways,for the success that you seek. There will be "sweat equity" cost and there will be financial cost. You must also understand that there will be "relationship cost" and this is one that you really need to be careful with and consider very seriously. 

WORD OF CAUTION:  Take care that you do not seek your own success at the expense of your children and your spouse. This is a sad mistake that I have seen many make in their pursuit of "success" and, in my opinion, though they may have reached some level of what the world might consider success, they have actually failed. 

Yes, do the best that you can for your family. Show them dedication and persistence. Provide for them the very best that you can but, at the same time, do not do so at their expense. You only get one shot with those kids and it is for a very short period of time. Cherish and protect that time, friend because once it is gone it is gone forever. No matter how badly you may want to "re-do" this time while they are in your care you simply cannot.

Prepare yourself for success but understand that "success" can be defined in many different ways. Yes, prepare yourself for your own success but be cautious and aware of the timing of the sacrifices that must - and will - be made.

Please be sure to listen to the podcast and watch the video on today's topic. You can find the links below. Also, please be sure to stop by my Facebook page and leave some feedback on today's topic. That link can also be found below.

And, until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Stop Trying to Fit In

Why do so many try to "fit in"? Why do so many try to be like someone else, instead of being themselves? I'm sure there are many different answers to those questions and you, yourself, may have struggled with this very thing in your life.

But, let me ask another questions: Why try to be like someone else when YOU are the ONLY YOU in existence? YOU are UNIQUE and there is no one else like you - never has been and never will be!

I do understand wanting to emulate - or copy - some favorable characteristics that some have. We all need mentors or those that we look up to as a good example. I get that. I understand that and I support that. 

HOWEVER, that does not mean that you should give up who you are in order to "be like" someone else. Make sense?

The fact that you are UNIQUE (and you are!) supports what the graphic above states...you were BORN to STAND OUT!

Now listen, let's use a little common sense here, o.k.? Yeah, I know...sometimes common sense ain't so common but, still, help me out here. Obviously, if you are a mean spirited jerk to everyone around you then, friend, you need to STOP being "that" version of you and do all that you can to become a better you and the BEST you that you can be!

We ALL should be striving to do that in our lives and for the impact that we have on those around us. That's the whole purpose of "personal development", right? That's my whole purpose in what I have done over the past 11 years through Future You University...to help each of us to be a better "future version" of ourselves than we are now.

Again, you are unique and there is no one else like you. You have certain gifts, talents and abilities that only YOU bring to the table of life. 

That being said, stop trying to fit in when you were BORN to "stand out"!

Please be sure to check out the podcast and the video that goes along with today's topic. You can find the links below. 

Until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Sit In The FRONT Row!

Those that speak to audiences LOVE the "front row people".  We know that those who are sitting in the front row have likely made some sort of sacrifice in order to be in the front row. They may have paid more for their ticket that placed them in the front row OR they may have gotten into line EARLY in order to make sure that they had a chance to get down to the front row before all of those seats were gone.

They are at that particular event to get as much out of it as they possibly can. They are eager and ready to learn and absorb as much as possible while they have the chance. They do not want ANY distractions by others and they WILL NOT give up their seat in the front row!

Friend, this should be the way that you approach YOUR LIFE! You need to do all that you can and make whatever sacrifices required so that you can MAKE SURE that you are on the "front row" of your life! Your life - just like the fact that you are unique - is uniquely yours...why would you want to take a chance on missing out on ANYTHING in and for your life?

Just like in the last article, let me say that I really urge you to WATCH THE VIDEO (link below) that goes along with today's topic. I'm just able to illustrate some things about the following graphic that I just cannot do through print...but I'll do my best.

The graphic - or picture - below is my all-time favorite that I have used and shared over the past 11 years. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT and have gotten feedback from others that say the same.

Take a good, close look at it and see if you don't smile when you do so.

Take a look at the two ladies on the front row....WOW! You have NO DOUBT that they are having the time of their lives, right? Look at their faces...they are not just smiling. They are laughing and, you can tell that they just cannot help but do so! They are trying to hold their dresses down and the one on the right is doing her best to hold on to her hat. These two ladies illustrate the "JOY OF THE FRONT ROW".

Now, when you take a look at the two ladies that are in the second row, you notice a slight change. Yes, they are smiling but - hey, c'mon - it's NOTHING like the two in the front row. And then, go to the third row. Hello? Are they even ON a roller coaster? You seriously could not tell it by just looking at them. They look as if they are bored out of their minds and, honestly, they look a little "hacked off".

Do NOT allow yourself to become complacent about living your life in the time you have been given on this earth. Do NOT allow time to pass you by that you will never, ever be able to regain. Do NOT live a life of regret when you have the CHOICE of living your life in the front or third row.

What does that mean for you and your life? I'd love to get your feedback on that. Yes, I know you can leave comments below this article but, if you would, I'd prefer you to go to my Facebook page (link below) to do so. Thanks, in advance, for doing so.

In the next article I will share an article from the past through "Flashback Friday". And, until then, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Life Happens!

I'm guessing that you - like me - can relate to the graphic above. Am I right? I would also guess that your answer to that question would be an emphatic, 'YES!"

We all have ideas and plans about how our life is going to go but, in reality, "life" has a different idea and, as the title for today's topic declares: "LIFE HAPPENS".

I really want to encourage you to watch the video (YouTube link below) for this topic so that you can see how I illustrate this next part that I'm going to discuss with you now...I think it would be beneficial for you.

In both pictures let's call the lower left hand corner, or the "starting point", point A. And, again, in both pictures let's call the arrow tip point B. Got it?

Obviously, in the first picture on the left, the graph indicates how everything would go IF everything went perfectly! There are no "hiccups" or detours, just a straight and upward climbing path of success.

HOWEVER, the picture on the right would likely more accurately depict the pattern in your life as well as mine. And, yeah I'm sure we have all even sat with a stunned look on faces saying, "What happened?" Here's your answer: "LIFE HAPPENED!"

In both pictures, notice that BOTH scenarios start off at the same spot - point A. The picture on the left shows a steady, uninterrupted and upward climb to point B. I'm not going to say that point B is where a person "ended up" but, rather, it is where they are, CURRENTLY, in their journey. 

Now I want you to focus on the graph on the right. Again, point A begins in the same spot and, although there are ups and downs and even circles at times, point B is still at a higher place on the graph than point A. Oh, I know, it's not as "high" on the graph as the first picture BUT, still, it definitely shows progress!

Keep this in mind and don't ever lose sight of that fact! Even though there have been obstacles and delays and even though you have even gone in circles at times, you are STILL making progress and moving closer to your goals and dreams! That is, as long as you don't allow yourself to give up. 

I've shared this thought with you many times before but it fits right in with this discussion: "Even if you take 2 steps forward and 1 step back, you are STILL ahead of where you started by 1 step!"

Seriously, watch the video. You'll be glad that you did and DO NOT EVER lose sight of your goal and DON'T YOU DARE EVER GIVE UP!

Keep pushing and keep moving my friend.

And, as you do so, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Mike's Quotes #44: What Do YOU Seek?

“What you SEEK you will FIND - that is a Biblical TRUTH! Be careful what it is for which you seek, because THAT is what you will find.”- Mike Spillman (12.17.19)

Once again let me say that I don't know you or what you do or don't believe. Whether you believe in the Bible or not really has nothing to do with today's quote. Not only is it a Biblical truth, it is also a UNIVERSAL truth!

A month or so ago I did another article talking about the fact that you see what it is that you focus on and, friend, this is no different. 

This also ties in to what I have been sharing with you about "frequencies" as is discussed by Bob Proctor. (By the way, I shared a link to a video that features him talking abut this very thing. You can find that on my FYU Facebook page.)

PAY ATTENTION TO THIS: What is going on in your life right now? What is happening with you and with those that are closest to you? Are your thoughts and events negative or positive? Are the people around you negative or positive? How are things at work? Take a CLOSE look at all of these areas and honestly access what is going on in your life.

As much as we may not want to admit it, much of what we experience in our life is a direct result of what we have SOUGHT in and for our life. This is a fact, friend, and you can protest all that you wish but the truth is the truth! Notice that I did not say, "ALL that we experience..." but, rather, "...MUCH of what we experience."

Maybe it's time to seek something better? Only you can answer that question and you really need to answer it honestly, no matter how painful it may be. 

Again, what you SEEK you WILL find!

If you wish to find fault with your spouse, your friends or your co-workers then, guess what? YOU WILL EASILY FIND FAULT and you will have an ample supply of faults to gripe and complain about! If you wish to find fault with and at your job then, again, you will find PLENTY to gripe about as well. 

Here is another POWERFUL truth in all of this: YOU have the POWER to completely turn that around. That's right, you can also find POSITIVE things to notice about your spouse, your friends or your co-workers. And, you may be surprised to find out that there will be PLENTY of those positive things that make themselves known. 

I know you can figure out what will happen in and for your life when you start seeking and finding POSITIVE focus in and for your life, right? Things begin to change for the better.

What you SEEK you WILL FIND is a plain and simple truth.

What do YOU seek?

Thanks for taking the time to join me today and, until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Mike's Quotes #32: Better and More Productive

"Better, more productive "today's", when added together, will bring about a better and more productive year." - Mike Spillman (12.31.2018)

If you have not done so, be sure to go back and read the last blog article, "One Day at a Time". This article, along with the last one, go "hand in hand" and build on each other. 

Don't sell short the importance of each and every day in your life. Oh listen, I understand and support 100% the need to just kick back and enjoy yourself with no real focus on "doing this and that". I think if you go through your life without those times you are hurting yourself as well as those around you. We all need those times to just enjoy life!

Here's the thing - even days like that are days that we don't need to "sell short" as far as their importance and what they can actually mean as far as our ability to be "productive" in our efforts!

When you understand the main point from the last article that last year passed by one day at a time and this new year will do the same - pass by one day at a time - you may begin to grasp the importance of what you do and accomplish today. 

Whether it be "New Year's Resolutions" or just a decision to be more pro-active in your daily decisions and activities, it is much easier to gauge your progress DAILY rather than weekly, monthly or annually. 

DON'T JUDGE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS (or anyone else's) BY WHAT HAPPENS IN ONE DAY. 

Why is that important? We all have bad days and, at times, those times go beyond even a day. Don't make major judgements or decisions when you are in one of those "down" times. You must understand, as stated in today's quote, it is the combination of your days that will determine the productivity (or lack thereof) of your year. Remember, as this is published, we are only three days into the new year!

A few suggestions for you:

     1. Make a COMMITMENT that you WILL take action toward whatever it is you have set out to accomplish. DO IT TODAY and don't wait. (Again, yes, there are days that you may "relax" but don't make it a habit!) 

    2. Though you don't have to make MASSIVE moves each day, make sure that what you do TODAY is challenging enough to push you a bit. For example, writing a plan down on paper, though it has a purpose, is not really DOING anything. Make sense?

   3. Honestly check your progress at the end of each day. BE HONEST and hold yourself accountable to what you had planned to accomplish. This is the best way to make needed adjustments as soon as possible so that you do not get too far off course. 

NEXT WEEK, the first full week of 2020, I will do a series on "WORK FROM HOME" opportunities. I will discuss some "warnings" about what you need to "watch out" for with so many things that are promoted and I will also share with you one that I believe to "check off" all of the things that are necessary for a legitimate, work from home opportunity. You can actually be checking this out by clicking on the "Live Debt Free" link below. 

Again, HAPPY NEW YEAR and, until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to... 

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Mike's Quotes #31: One Day At A Time

"One day at a time...that's how it comes AND goes!" - Mike Spillman (12.31.2017)

Here we are again. Still looking over the year that has just passed and now, on this 2nd day of the New Year, we look forward to what lies ahead.

"Where did the time go?" That's something that you hear a lot, isn't it? Well, at least I do and I also find myself saying that very thing! It's strange but, it DOES seem as if time goes by quicker as you get older but we all know that this simply is not true. It passes for each of us in exactly the same way and at the same pace. For the purpose of this blog article I will state how it goes by in seconds, minutes, hours and days. 

The year that just passed did so one day at a time - 365 of them. And, guess what? The year that we have just begun will also pass the same way - one day at a time and then, after 365 of them, we will find ourselves back at the start of yet another year. 

"One day at a time...that's how it comes AND goes!"

If you have followed me for any length of time then you know how much I stress the importance of TODAY. Let me state it again: That period in the future that we call "tomorrow" does not exist. There is no promise of it's arrival and, at this point in time, it is yet to come into existence. And, on the other side, that time period that we call "yesterday" also no longer exists. Different than "tomorrow", "yesterday" DID actually exist but it is no longer. It's in the past, gone and never to be relived or retrieved. That being said, TODAY is all that we have at our disposal. What will YOU do with YOUR "today"?

Next week I plan to start a new series about all of those so-called, "Work From Home Opportunities" that so many of you (along with many others) may be looking over at the start of this new year. But, in my next article I will share another of my quotes that goes a step beyond today's thought and touches on how we can make sure that we have a PRODUCTIVE year by having PRODUCTIVE days. Be sure to join me for that article and also be sure to listen to the podcasts on these topics as well. All links can be found below.

Again friend, I do want to wish you a Happy New Year and I thank you for allowing me to be a part of your "positive information diet". Until the next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Mike's Quotes #19: Life is Like...

"Life is a lot like females. Just when you think you have it figured out, 
it will throw you a curve ball." - Mike Spillman (8.26.11)

I believe that I should make sure that I don't have any ladies coming after me because of that quote! The way I see it, ladies, it should serve as a compliment to all of you. You are all unique and are so mysterious that we (the guys) are unable to get you figured out. That's a good thing, right? :)

Now that I have that "self-preservation" paragraph out of the way, let's talk about the point that is being made with that quote.

Bottom line: Life is like a roller coaster with all kinds of ups and downs as well as twists and turns.

Life is not fair nor is it easy. If anyone ever told you that it was either of these then, friend, they were just flat out lying to you!

But, it's not about what happens TO you that matters. It's about how you REACT and RESPOND to what happens to you. THAT'S what matters and THAT is what will determine the course of your future. 

I know of those that worked faithfully for the same company for many years only to have the rug jerked out from under them when that company either decided to start laying off workers or the company decided to move to another country. Either way, I've seen those that have devoted their life to said company get tossed aside because it was not "feasible" to keep them on due to their age. What then?

All of us can likely point out some in the area of sports that seemed to have it all in perfect fashion as far as their future. The money and the fame seemed to be a sure bet. And we can all likely remember those that, due to some injury or just their own stupidity, had it all taken away from them. Gone.

As I type this article I think of one college player that has been projected to be at the top of the NFL draft. However, a couple of games ago he was unexpectedly injured during a game and, who knows, may not ever play again. For sure it is known that he is out for the rest of the season and, as far as his future? That is still to be determined. 

I have a friend that went to his Mother's house on Thanksgiving Day last week only to find that she had passed away while preparing the family feast that many were to enjoy later that same day. 

Yes, life is absolutely unpredictable.

But friend, you have two choices and the decision is yours.  You can give up on life or you can decide that you MUST continue on to your future.

Easier said than done? Absolutely!

As one guy said once, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get!" Though true, I disagree to a point. At least with a box of chocolates, even though you don't know what you're going to get, IT'S ALL STILL SWEET!

The same cannot be said about life at all times. 

But, remember, "As long as there is breath, there is hope!"

Sure, you can give up on life but you must understand that there are others out there that are depending on YOU to get up, dust off, and keep LIVING LIFE, regardless of the struggles that may come your way from time to time. 

And ladies, thanks for keeping us guys on our toes! You help keep our lives interesting and, for that, we are thankful. 

Until next time, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #15: The POWER of LOVE

Love. It's not what you say, it's what you DO and BECOME. Don't just utter the word, SHOW love - BE love - SHARE love. Always.  - Mike Spillman

We've talked about it before: TALK IS CHEAP!

I'm not sure that there is any word in the English language that is "thrown around" as carelessly as the word, "love". People (men AND women) use it as a bargaining tool to get what they want. They will also use the word as a way to manipulate others around them.

Adults will say the word to their children even though their actions say otherwise.

In my opinion, the word should never be used unless it is truly MEANT.

Yes, I know that we use the word "love" to describe everything from food to our pets. But, friend, you know what I'm talking about and you know that I am referring to love that denotes a feeling of commitment, trust and purpose.

Yes, I believe that this kind of love is something that you must BECOME. This may seem like an odd concept to some but, from my experience, this is true. This kind of love is something that I have had to go through a lot of life before I fully understood what it truly meant.

For those that you say are important to you in your life, your love should never be doubted or brought into question. You LIVE it, you BREATHE it, you SHOW and SHARE it and, yes, you BECOME it.

It took me about 58 years to get there but I am so glad that I had the opportunity to "arrive" at this point in my life. It is, indeed, the POWER of LOVE.

I'd love to get your feedback by going to my FaceBook page (link below) and leaving your comments. I'd greatly appreciate it and I thank you in advance.

Whatever you do, each and every day always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

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WED: Mike's Quotes #13: Frustration Benefit?

 “If all frustration were removed from my life, 
would I recognize elation when it arrived?”

 - Mike Spillman (1.7.11)

Think about that quote for a moment. If all we ever encountered in our lives was good, happy, worry free as well as problem free, would we truly understand what a blessing that life would be?

To what would we compare? 

This is part of the problem when we try to shield our young people from any disappointment or hurt. They need to learn that life is not always fair and that, yes, at times, it just downright HURTS! They must learn to manage the loss in order to learn how to celebrate the win. 

Again, for any of you that would tend to think that I (for some reason) have never gone through tough and difficult times, you would be wrong, and wrong in a BIG way! Where do you think that quote came from? I don't remember the exact situation but, noticing the date, I can tell you that I was going through some hard times in my life.

Along with what the quote points out, you must also learn to "see" and acknowledge what is RIGHT in your world even when so much seems wrong. In other words, don't let your frustration cause you to be blinded from seeing that blessings that STILL are present in your life. 

There is an old "church song" that declares, "Count Your Many Blessings, Name them One by One". Indeed, it is vital for us to do just that even in the midst of frustration.

Understanding the quote will also help you recognize smaller, more often occurring things to celebrate! 

If you put yourself in the position that you are only elated at the HUGE gains in your life then, my friend, you will find that you will experience MORE frustration along the way. It is important that we all learn to acknowledge and celebrate the "small things" along the way. By doing so we will understand the fact that we are, indeed, truly blessed. 

A benefit to be found in frustration? Yes. 

Find SOMETHING to celebrate in your life every single day and be thankful.

I have a special treat to share with you tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day 2019. I'm actually going to share a quote from my youngest son. You don't want to miss it!

Until then, I want to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. And, always remember to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #10: Direct Your Future

"It's always too late to change your past but it's never too late to change the direction of your future!" - Mike Spillman (12.31.10)

My guess is that, most people would like the opportunity to go back in time and do a few things differently. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know all the stuff about "oh, but it has made me who I am today". I get that. BUT, I still believe that most of us would like to have the opportunity to go back and do some things differently.

Correct mistakes, do better with how we raised our kids, respect our parents better and just love people more. And, my goodness, what about FINANCIAL mistake that, knowing what we do now, we might be able to avoid?

Remember, that time period that we call "tomorrow" doesn't even exist and neither does that time period that we call "yesterday". All we have is TODAY. Yes, we can learn from our past mistakes and be dedicated to not repeating them in the future but we cannot go back and undo or re-do things in the past. 

I always thought that this was an interesting phrase: "Today is the tomorrow that you worried about yesterday." 

But here is what we CAN do, friend. We can change the direction of our future and it begins with what we do right now, TODAY! 

Yes, I understand that we are "molded" by our past but, friend, your past does NOT determine your future. What has happened in your past does not DEFINE who you are nor does it determine your future or your destiny.  

Stop making excuses. Stop whining about your past. Hey, if that offends you then you really need to ask yourself WHY it does so! Stop enabling yourself to continue living in the shadow of your past and what may have been wrong, tough or unfair.

YOU control your future. No matter what your situation and no matter what excuse (disguised as a reason) you may want to try to come up with, it all boils down to this one truth: YOU CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF YOUR FUTURE! 

And, friend, feeding your mind with information such as this is a step in the right direction. Yes, you CAN direct your path and it begins with the first step and that first step begins TODAY. 

I'd love to get some feedback from you on today's topic or on any topic that you have read or listened to via Future You University.  Be sure to listen to the podcast and watch the video (links below) to get the full scope of my thoughts for today's topic and, please, stop by my Facebook page (link below) and leave some comments.

And, until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to... 

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

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Mike's Quotes #6: DECISIONS and CHOICES

"Every Decision is a CHOICE. Every CHOICE Makes a STATEMENT." (11/02/19) 

As you can tell by the date, this is one of my most recent quotes that I wanted to share with you. Believe it or not, as is often the case, I had not planned anything out nor had I sat down to brainstorm with the purpose of "coming up" with some new quotes.

Nope! Many times my quotes will come from an article I've written or just from a thought that comes to mind. Sometimes that thought is spurred by something that I see or hear like a sign or something that someone else says that makes me think. And then, like the quote above, they just come to me as a response during an conversational exchange with someone.

After I said this to the person that I was talking with I thought, "Wow! That was pretty good! I need to be sure to write that one down!" And, I did. 

Think about what is stated in this quote and, I do believe that you will agree with the statement and also be challenged by this quote. 

Too often we don't consider the impact of our choices and our decisions. As a matter of fact, we seldom put much thought into the fact that EVERY DECISION IS A CHOICE.  

Yes! Every single decision is a choice. 

Now, I'm not going to try to give an example of every single thing that I can think of to illustrate this fact, but I will try to share a few. YOU think further on this and apply this thought in your own life and see how many decisions that you make (or have made) that, indeed, indicated a choice that was to be made.  

Let's start at the beginning of your day and talk about setting your alarm. You have a decision to make - what time do you want to set your alarm - and, you have a choice as to what time you want that alarm to be set. As a matter of fact, you first have a decision (and choice) as to whether you even want to set that alarm in the first place!

Do you want to set the alarm at a time that will allow you plenty of time to get ready for work (or whatever it is you have planned for your day) and even sit and enjoy a cup of coffee without feeling rushed OR do you want to set that alarm in a way that will allow you "just enough" time to get things done so that you can hop in your car and rush off to work? 

It's a decision and that decision involves a choice and, friend, that choice - and EVERY choice - makes a STATEMENT! 

Think about this: Let's say that you have made a commitment (decision) to get up earlier and work out before you head out to the office. You have decided (another decision) that you need to get up 45 minutes earlier than usual in order to get this done and still get to work on time. 

Got it?

What you actually DECIDE to do indicates that you have made a CHOICE about how important that decision to work out really is to you, wouldn't you agree? WHAT YOU  HAVE CHOSEN TO DO makes a STATEMENT about your true commitment to working out. 

Got it? 

My goodness, as we approach the end of 2019 and as people get ready to dust off their continuously recycled "New Year's Resolutions" we will see a LOT of this taking place. 

WORDS are not decisions and they don't even truly indicate that a choice has been made. ACTION demonstrates a decision and a choice that has been made. What you actually DO makes a STATEMENT about what you truly believe and how important something truly is to you. 

Go back and look at last week's topic of "Price Vs. Value" and see if this does not apply...IT DOES! 

You see, if you say that you love your spouse or your children and that they are very important to you then, you show by your decisions and choices what you truly believe. Your ACTIONS will make a STATEMENT about what really is true. You can say whatever you want and try to justify it any way you want but, friend, the truth is the truth and EVERY DECISION involves a CHOICE and EVERY CHOICE makes a STATEMENT.

There is no way around that truth. 

Hey, be sure to listen to the podcast and to also watch the video on this topic. I know that I will be recording those separately, which means that there will be three "versions" of today's topic and I encourage you to access all three so that you can get the full scope of my thoughts on today's topic.

Thanks again for taking time to join me today and, until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

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What Gets YOU Pumped? (Come Alive and GO DO IT!)

So, friend, what gets YOU "pumped"? What makes YOU "come alive"? Again, if you're not sure, take a few minutes - maybe even a few hours - and write it out. Brainstorm any and all ideas that really tend to get you "excited" and see what you come up with - WITHOUT the doubt and questioning on whether or not you can actually do that thing.

Here's a key question to ask that you likely have heard before: If money were no object, what is it that you would want to be doing? 

You see, we - the world - need to have more people doing just that and not just "going through life" out of habit. We need a world full of people that have COME ALIVE to their passion and their purpose and that are using their passion and purpose to impact the lives of those around them in a POWERFUL and POSITIVE way.

Whatever it is may not turn into some global activity BUT, at the same time, understand the fact that IF YOU BEGIN TO LIVE YOUR LIFE IN THIS WAY, you WILL have an impact on the people around you and it WILL spread and touch the lives of others.

BEGIN WHERE YOU ARE! Don't wait until it looks as if you will have a huge following or a huge program that you are ready to launch. START TODAY and BEGIN WHERE YOU ARE! 

Begin with YOUR mindset and YOUR attitude. Begin with how YOU will do all that you can to maintain a positive mindset and, in turn, a positive influence on those around you. Perhaps beginning with your family or room mate and then on to to your co-workers.

KNOW THIS: You WILL come into contact with resistance and rejection. Yes, even when you are simply trying to be POSITIVE, there will be those that will do all that they can to stop you in your tracks. That's just the way it is, friend. But, do NOT let that stop you from your mission - your passion and your purpose - to have a POSITIVE impact on YOUR world, beginning where you are TODAY, right now.

So, yeah, what gets you pumped? GO DO IT!  Be sure to listen to the podcast and also to watch the video on this same topic (links found below) and also join me tomorrow as we discuss the importance to "You Be You - Everyone Else is Taken".

Until next time, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

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